JKLSA holds awareness prog on ‘mental health’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 10: In a significant event commemorating “World Mental Health Day, 2024”, the J&K Legal Services Authority in collaboration with the Department of Law, University of Jammu, organized an awareness programme on the “Importance of Mental Health in Professional Efficiency” at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu.
Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority, Justice Tashi Rabstan, presided over the event which was attended by nearly 700 law students, faculty members and legal professionals.
The Chief Justice, who was accompanied by M. K. Sharma, Principal Secretary and Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, was warmly received by Prof. Meena Sharma, Officiating Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Planning, University of Jammu, Prof. (Dr.) Manju Jamwal, Head, Department of Law, University of Jammu, along with other esteemed HoDs and faculty members.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Justice emphasized that maintaining good mental health is not only a personal responsibility but also a professional necessity, particularly in high-pressure fields like law and the judiciary.
He cautioned about the potential dangers of technology, stating that while it offers immense benefits, its misuse can be detrimental to mental health. Furthermore, he drew attention to the adverse effects of poor lifestyle choices, such as consuming junk food and inadequate sleep, which contribute to rise in mental disorders.
“Effective time management is key to avoid stress and leading a healthier life, especially for judges and advocates who often have to work on weekends and holidays also”, maintained the Chief Justice.
The Chief Justice called for a supportive work environment where open dialogue and mental health resources are readily available, enabling professionals to perform at their best while breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues. He concluded by encouraging all the participants to engage in creative and physical activities as a means to refresh their minds and promote overall well-being.
In her welcome address, Prof. (Dr.) Manju Jamwal, Head, Department of Law, University of Jammu, highlighted the collaborative efforts between the University of Jammu and J&K Legal Services Authority in organizing today’s programme which in the present scenario is of immense importance especially for the younger generation.
Prof. (Dr.) Meena Sharma, Officiating Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Planning, University of Jammu, laid emphases on the role of mental well-being in both academic and professional success. She explained how maintaining a balanced mental state enhances cognitive abilities and contributes to sustained professional growth and resilience. She encouraged educational institutions to incorporate mental health support systems into their frameworks to foster a thriving academic environment and build resilience among students and professionals.
Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Gupta, Department of Law, University of Jammu tracing the legal history about mental inadequacy of a litigant referred to various legislations especially the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 and pointed out the shortcoming therein
Dr. Manu Arora, Head, Psychiatry Department, Govt. Medical College Jammu, presented an insightful overview of the mental health challenges faced by professionals in high-stakes fields like law.
Dr. Rakesh Banal, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry, Govt. Medical College, Jammu focused on practical strategies for managing mental health.
The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Smriti Sharma, Secretary, DLSA Jammu. The proceedings were expertly conducted by Prof. (Dr.) Hardeep Kour.
Those who attended the programme included Y. P. Bourney, PDJ (Chairman DLSA), Jammu, Prof. (Dr.) Satinder Kumar, Dean, Prof. (Dr.) Arvind Jasrotia, Senior Professor, Basim Akhter, Legal Assistant, Anil Sharma, Chief LADC Jammu, other faculty members from the Department of Law, KC Law College, Dogra Law College and MIET Law College and the staff of J&K Legal Services Authority and DLSA Jammu.
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